Mount Rainier roundup

Tomorrow, April 28: celebrate City Council Member Brian Knedler's 14 years of service to Mount Rainier. Unfortunately he is not running for reelection. Star-Potts Hall 3405 Rhode Island Ave. from 6-9 p.m. There will be a roast and refreshments.

DC Urban Turf and other sites reported on MRIS's inclusion of Mount Rainier in its list of DC's top 10 green neighborhoods. Props to the city government for caring and especially City Council Member Brian Knedler's service on the Tree Commission and continuing interest in improving Mount Rainier! Also on Giltterazzi.

I went to the city council candidates forum last week. My impression is that all the candidates are sincerely dedicated to civic involvement and making Mount Rainier an even better place to live. Their answers to audience questions were generally thoughtful and well-considered. I will upload some pictures soon. In the meantime, if you didn't go, then before you vote on May 2 check out part 1 and part 2.And for Gazette Q&As with all the candidates, click here.

Don't know where to buy Serviceberry trees that are pretty to look at and great food for the wildlife? Think they're too expensive for a person of modest means such as yourself? Problems solved: here and here.

Mount Rainier Bike Co-op, 3601 Bunkerhill Rd.: Free flat tire clinic tomorrow April 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. "At this class we will learn to remove our rear wheel and practice removing and replacing the tire and tube."
Also,
"We are looking for enthusiastic supporters to help staff the bike coop so that more people can access it. Do consider becoming a member of the space, and helping to keep it open."

Save the frogs party! Friday, April 29 at Art Works School Studio, 3711 Rhode Island Ave. from 7-10 p.m. "Savethefrogs.com holds an annual international art/poster competition and Art Works Studio School is providing the opportunity for our neighbors and friends to join us in saving the frogs through a brief educational program, fun frog music, frog-happy foods, poster making activities, and OF COURSE...a game of LEAP FROG!!!" It's all free.

And, as always, check out what's going on at Joe's Movement Emporium. They have activities for all ages.

Serviceberries in bloom!

From Brian Knedler:


The cherry blossoms are done, but I hope residents will notice the native Serviceberry trees in bloom, especially in Spring Park at 33rd and Shepherd. Also a nice one in 3800 block of 31st, 3000 block Taylor, and 4100 block 31st. The trees are also called shadbush because they bloom when the shad (a fish) is traveling up the local streams to spawn. They have lots of common names, but the Latin genus is Amelanchier. They are wonderful small trees or bushes. If you are going to purchase one, read up on the particular cultivar because some are more like shrubs and get multiple stems while others are more tree-like. They have an edible berry in summer (they are called Juneberry for that reason) and great fall color. They like a bit of shade since like the Redbuds (another native) they grow in the forests under other larger trees.  Redbuds are also blooming now. They tend to be more drought tolerant than the serviceberries.  The City Tree Commission has purchased a number of both serviceberry and redbud in the last 10 years. So, if you are looking for an alternative to Yoshino Cherry, consider the Serviceberry.

Brent C. Bolin announces candidacy for Ward 2 City Council

City Council Member Brian Knedler has decided not to run for another term in Ward 2. Brent C. Bolin is the first I know of to throw his hat into the ring.

Mount Rainier crime spree mystery solved

Thanks to the Mount Rainier police for solving a recent burglary spree! The miscreants hit at least three homes that we know of so far:

- Saturday February 19th in the 4400 block of 30th Street
- Friday March 4th in the 4000 block of 36th Street
- Monday March 7th in the 4000 block of 30th Street

Mount Rainier police caught three male juveniles and charged them with the crimes after one of them confessed.

UPDATE: Mount Rainier City Council Member Brian Knedler would like to point out that this series of crimes was solved thanks to someone who lived near one of the scenes and gave a description of the suspects to police. After the police knew what to look for it was just a matter of time before a little extra surveillance resulted in the arrests. Thanks, Brian.